Plumbing Works

I owned my home for 13 years.  I have only called the plumber once for a major choked in the toilet after a plastic container was accidentally dropped into the bowl.  Other than that, I did D.I.Y. on all the necessary plumbing and electrical work myself.  But I never liked plumbing work.

Last Thurs, on my way home from work, I received a call from my wife saying the plastic knob for the show has cracked.

I was planning to buy a plastic knob again but the D.I.Y.  shop only has this expensive metal knob costing at $40.

As I started to work on this after dinner, while they were relaxing in the living room watching TV.  I realized nobody came and asked how are things or even to check the progress.

Either they don't bother or they have total faith in me.

I like to think it is the later.  haha..

Fixing things has always been a passion for me.  I nurtured the hobby from my father since young watching him fix everything around the house.

So, growing up, I have always been a hands-on person.

Now I like my son to carry on this passion from me.  I would like to see him be handy around the house.

I brought him to hardware shop one evening, showed him the difference between a hammer and a mallet... the different parts of a hammer for their different usage.  He seems quite receptive.  Asking questions about the tool.

Maybe we'll do a project together, build a shelve or planter-box...

I'm sure he'll be better than me, just need to get him interested.

Maid-less Days...

Ever since Ally was born, we have been hiring Domestic Helpers to help-out around the house.

I wasn't without my concern before we hired the first, but eventually the work and housework and the attention required on the young ones weighed down hard and I had to agree to have a helper.

Well now my current maid is taking a vacation back to home town for a couple of weeks... and for the first time in 8 years, we have no helper.

At first I was quite excited with the idea that I can now do housework!  Do it at my standard, which by the way is higher than any of the maid we've hired.  My toilets are cleaner, kitchen is neater... If I say so myself..

While my wife and the 2 girls had their escape planned, they went on a 5 days Chiang Mai trip.  Leaving me and Jared to fend for ourselves.

Without helper, without my wife, without the 2 girls, I had to wake up early to do the routine.  I thank God that Jared was very cooperative during these few days, no fuss no nonsense.  Of course I have a good nanny... she's 42-inch wide and speaks multi languages... She the LG flat screen TV..haha

Switch it on, Jared will sit still for at least 45 min while I quickly do my housework.

During their absence, I have the chance of becoming a single-parent.  It lets me experience the struggles to balance work and home.  It became clear that the 4 year old has become my only companion, the bond between us distinctively became stronger.

I picked him up from childcare on the 3rd day, while I was driving, Jared suddenly said:
"Daddy, I feel sad when you left for work this morning."
I asked "Why?"
Then he said "Because I love you mah."

That was something he has never said to me before.

I felt all warm inside...

Finally, today my maid is coming home.  Her plane will be landing in an hour's time.
I seriously hope she's in it. haha